Nadim Sadek (pictured) described Inish Turk Beg, in Clew Bay, as one of the most beautiful places on earth and said he hoped the new owners would love it too.

The businessman, who featured in RTE's 'Secret Millionaire', bought the island for €1m in 2003 and is said to have spent €9m transforming it. Receivers sold it recently for €2.85m.

In a statement to the Irish Independent, Mr Sadek, who is now CEO of London-based brand consultancy company TransgressiveX, said: "Having travelled the world, I am certain that Inish Turk Beg is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

"It inspires, intoxicates, enlivens. Those who come after me benefit from a decade of loving investment, building and imagining. They will not be able to repeat that, for the place is now transformed, but they can love it as I have done. I wish them well.

"The island and the sea have taught me many things, among which is that some journeys are orbital and you never know when you might end up back where you started again."

Whiskey

Mr Sadek moved back to London last summer with his wife, Sandra, and four children.

While he has left the island behind him, he will still have ties to the remote spot. He continues to own Inish Turk Beg Maiden Voyage Whiskey which he says is "doing very well in Ireland and the UK".